Biz Bits: How to overcome job interview jitters

Thursday

Mar 31, 2011 at 12:01 AMMar 31, 2011 at 2:51 AM

Weekly business rail, with job-interview tips, BBB advice on greening your business and more.

Tip of the Week

A new poll of young adults conducted by Everest College reveals the job interview poses a major challenge for those seeking a new position. Four in 10 respondents said interviewing is the one skill they need to improve most to land a job, and nearly half (45 percent) think speaking skills are one of the most important attributes hiring managers use to judge potential candidates. Sean Quinn, regional vice president of operations for Everest College, offers the following tips to ensure that an interview opportunity ends with a job offer:

- Practice makes perfect. According to Everest's survey, 28 percent named, "What is your worst quality?" the most difficult interview question to answer. Other tough questions were, "Where would you like to see yourself professionally in five years?" (20 percent) and, "What is your salary requirement?" (19 percent). Practice answers to these, as well as other common inquiries, including "Tell me about yourself" and, "What skills and experiences do you bring?" Think of actual examples and prepare mini-sound bites to describe your skills.

- Be yourself. Although the interview is a great time to sell yourself to a potential employer, be careful not to go overboard. Embellishment may be tempting - particularly for young graduates - but employers want to know what you've really done. Communicate any career training you have and how it relates to the position. Be yourself, and in cases where you lack experience, display a willingness and desire to learn the necessary skills.

- Every interaction counts. Anyone you encounter within proximity to the interview setting can have a direct influence on its outcome. Having a positive and respectful attitude creates a more welcoming environment all around you and sets you up for success during the interview.

- Share your past work. A portfolio of past work or testimonials from previous employers or clients speaks volumes for your credibility and dedication to a job. Photography of output in the skilled trades may help illustrate the work you're capable of doing.

- Follow up. Good follow-through is important and shows a potential employer that a candidate cares about the opportunity. Be sure to send a note to everyone who interviewed you thanking them for their time and consideration.

- ARA

BBB Watch

The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice on promoting your business' greener side:

- Get a stamp of approval. While there is no seal for green products, there are independent third-party organizations that will certify your environmentally friendly statements. Avoid making claims about certification or seals that might be considered exaggerated or overly broad. Research any third-party carefully before seeking certification through their program.

- Tell the truth. Few things destroy a company's credibility with consumers faster than false advertising; regardless, some advertisers stretch the truth when it comes to talking up the eco-friendly qualities of their products. When touting about the shade of your green, as with any advertising or marketing claims, always tell the truth.

- Make concrete claims. An honest advertiser will not make vague statements such as "environmentally friendly" or "sustainable" without qualification and solid examples to back up the claim. If your packaging is made from recycled paper, then say so. If your company has reduced energy costs, promote it. Making fuzzy claims, however, may get you into trouble.

- Provide evidence. Consider creative ways of showing your company's impact such as: How many hours your employees have volunteered, who benefited and how they benefited from your firm's efforts. Also show how your products are better for the environment.

For more information on best business practices and advertising guidelines for your business, as well as other ways to make your business more socially conscious, visit www.bbb.org.

The List

According to a story by U.S. News, there are 10 mistakes most people make on their resumes. To see the full list and explanations, go to http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2011/03/28/10-mistakes-youre-making-on-your-resume.

1. Relying on outdated sources of advice.
2. Including every job you’ve ever had, no matter how irrelevant or long ago.
3. Listing only job duties, rather than accomplishments.
4. Including subjective descriptions.
5. Leaving out volunteer work.

Number to Know

0.1: Percent rise in home prices in Washington, D.C., from December to January, the only market to report an increase, according to the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller index.

Tech Talk

Amazon recently announced it launched a “cloud” music service. What this means is that users only need an Internet connection to access their music – there’s no need to download songs to a hard drive.

GateHouse News Service

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